It’s all about kerbing not curbing that enthusiasm

THIS week Standard Property is all about the importance of kerb appeal. And we’ve found a

THIS week Standard Property is all about the importance of kerb appeal. And we’ve found a great property near Abingdon which proves the worth of getting this right, a hundred times over

STUART Hart transformed his 1930s semi-detached property into a light and spacious home with an attractive front after having imagining what could be achieved with some paint and a new front door.

Stuart explained: “We bought the property in September 2014 following the passing of the lady who previously lived there for many years. In fact, her family have seen the completed house and they think it is wonderful and that their mother would be thrilled with what we have done.

“The house was unlivable in a modern sense and so we applied for planning to enable the property to have a complete refurbishment with a modern rear extension and a third bedroom upstairs with a completely new and larger family bathroom.”

The property now comprises three bedrooms, a family bathroom, downstairs shower room, a handy utility room, a large garden, front drive with parking for two cars, a sitting room and a large kitchen/dinner/family room. It is this last which has the wow factor of the property.

“Downstairs we have created a very large kitchen/dining/living area with bifolds out on to the 100ft south-facing rear garden, along with a second bathroom and utility room,” said Stuart. “The flexibility of the home could offer a fourth bedroom as well.

“We considered living in the house on completion and so have refurbished it to a very high standard as if we were going to occupy it ourselves, but our plans have now changed and we have decided to sell the property.

“We were attracted by the location, being set back behind the village green, off a no-through road, with local amenities close by, yet close to the A34 and just outside Abingdon. We also liked the large south-facing garden which we felt we could better utilise through a modern open-plan design of the living area.

“We think we have achieved this and created a modern, contemporary home within the shell of a lovely 1930s semi-detached house.

“All that remains of the original house are the four walls and roof — everything else has been replaced and renewed.

“The kerb appeal element was important to us. Therefore, we made sure the new windows were made to match those of the house next door. The sliding door and front porch were taken away to provide an open porch with a new contemporary door and a large oak pillar, hand finished, to match.

“The front area was replaced to provide for two car parking spaces and lighting and a handmade slate house number added to a newly repainted front. We think that we have retained the character of the old house, but again updated it with modern elements.

“Whilst we like the finish to the front of the property, the house is deceptive and the kitchen/dinner/family room we feel is a triumph and will undoubtedly be important in the selling of the house and so viewing the property is essential to appreciate this, the quality of finish and the wonderful garden.

“We believe the house provides very flexible accommodation and would suit a family looking to trade up, or empty-nesters looking to trade down, but wanting to stay in the area or moving to it from elsewhere.

“Most importantly, whoever buys the home, they can just move in and enjoy.

“We will be remaining in the South Oxfordshire area but, having decided not to live here ourselves, we will certainly miss the modern living space and garden area.”

For sale with Davis Tate at a price of £485,000. Call the Abingdon branch on 01235 526907 for more information.

• The owners: Stuart Hart, who has a consultancy business, and his wife Caroline.

• The property: A three-bedroom semi, built in the 1930s.

• The location: Drayton, Abingdon, about 20 miles north-west of Henley.

• The spec: A ‘new build’ finish family home with modern-day conveniences such as internet-controlled gas central heating, USB sockets in each bedroom and Bosch appliances in the kitchen.

The advantage of buying an older-style house such as this one, and doing it up, is that it comes with a large plot â?? unlike today’s new builds, which have gardens the size of a postage stamp.

• Local area: The village has a bus service providing access to Abingdon and Didcot; there are two convenience stores and two pubs. Further amenities include a primary school, village hall with children’s park and football pitch. The nearest train station is in Didcot, a 10-minute drive.

• Room to expand: The loft is another area which could be utilised. With the proper permission, you could turn this space into a master with ensuite bathroom.

• Kerb appeal: The front has been carefully considered, with a new porch, new windows and front door, stone shingle driveway, new fence panels and flower bed borders.